Best hotels in Norfolk
Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel
777 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510
This newly renovated three-star Marriott hotel makes the most of its waterfront location, with great views of both the Elizabeth River and Downtown Norfolk. Guests can also take advantage of a fitness room, conference centre, seafood restaurant and outdoor swimming pool.
Glass Light Hotel & Gallery, Autograph Collection
201 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
This unique three-star boutique hotel in the vibrant, historic district of Granby Street is also a glass art gallery, and home to pieces by renowned artists such as Peter Bremers and Lino Tagliapietra. Stay here in beautifully styled, contemporary rooms and you’ll be close to many major attractions, including the Waterside District.
Springhill Suites Norfolk Old Dominion University
4500 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, VA 23508
Located on the campus of Old Dominion University, just across from the home of the ODU Monarchs and two miles from The Virginia Zoo, guests can relax in the saltwater pool and hot tub at this three-star, Marriott all-suite hotel. Stay here and you’ll be in the perfect spot for Virginia Beach oceanfront, Norfolk State University and great shops and restaurants.
Best restaurants in Norfolk
Freemason Abbey Restaurant
209 W Freemason Street, Norfolk, VA 23510-1213
This renovated restaurant is a former church that dates back nearly 150 years, and still features the original stained-glass windows. Chow down on American classics, including seafood, as well as Game Specials like Elk Sausage and Beast Burger. And don’t forget the award-winning She Crab Soup.
Saltine
100 East Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Head to the most popular Saltine in downtown Norfolk to sample the freshest seasonal shellfish and seafood. Set in a chic old-world space, try signature dishes such as the charbroiled Oysters, Snapper and Branzino. If you love seafood, this is not to be missed.
Doumar’s Cones & Barbecue
1919 Monticello Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23517-2338
Hot dogs, burgers and BBQ are on the menu at Doumar’s, but it’s also the ice cream that people flock here for. In fact, it claims to have invented the original waffle cone in 1904. Many use the drive-in and enjoy their food in the car.
Best attractions in Norfolk
Ocean View and East Beach
232 East Main Street Norfolk, VA 23510
Norfolk has more than seven miles of golden sandy beaches for beach lovers to enjoy. Lay down your towel at Ocean View or East Beach and soak up the sun, swim in the sea, or enjoy water sports such as kayaking, sailing and paddle boarding. Or taste the locally caught seafood at one of the many restaurants along the coast.
Virginia Zoo
3500 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23504
Come face to face with everything from American Bison and lions to Asiatic Black Bears and Orangutans as you explore animals from Africa and Asia at the 53-acre site. Board the train and learn all about the natural habitats of more than 150 species and see how the zoo works with conservation partners to support wildlife.
Chrysler Museum of Art
One Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510
You’ll find this museum in the NEON district. It houses 30,000 pieces of art from periods across the last 5,000 years, including one of the world’s largest permanent displays of glass. The Perry Glass Studio is a hub for techniques like glassblowing, fusing and flameworking, with programmes available for aspiring artists.